Nashville Rescue Mission

Jeremy Cowart, a well-known and respected photographer had a simple idea. He wanted to rally photographers across Nashville, maybe even the world and take pictures of people who might otherwise not be able to afford it. And so…Help Portrait was born.

 

Help Portrait is a movement of photographers who are using their time, equipment and expertise to give back to those who are less fortunate this holiday season.

“Don’t just take pictures. Give them.”

On October 10, 2009, a group of 15 photographers arrived at the Nashville Rescue Mission to launch Help Portrait.

 

After getting her hair and makeup done, one woman stood in front of the camera and started to cry. She said, “I’ve just never felt special before.”

 

A 53-year-old man stood noticeably excited in front of the camera. He said it was the first time he’d ever had his picture taken.

 

In just one day, over 80 homeless men, women and children had their pictures taken. And on October 28, 2009, these photos were delivered.

 

Upon receiving her photos, one woman replied, “I can’t wait to send this to my mom for Christmas. She’s going to be so surprised.”

 

“You have no idea what you’re doing for these people,” said Lee Ann Dichtel, Special Events Coordinator for the Nashville Rescue Mission. “Most of the time, when people see them walking on the road, they turn around and go the other direction. So to give them the opportunity to look them in the face and show them how beautiful they are, means a lot.”

 

On December 12, 2009, photographers from all around the country will be grabbing their cameras, finding someone in need and taking their picture. Once the photos are developed… they’ll give them their photos.

 

“It’s about serving for the pure sake of serving,” says Jeremy Cowart. “It’s about helping people see the beauty of who they are.”

 

Click here to learn more about Help Portrait or watch the news story by Fox 17. See more photos here.